"It was a gift for fans" NCT's Na Jae-min's Shinsegae Gift Certificates spark allegations of Emart staff taking them

[Financial News] Controversy has erupted over allegations that an Emart employee intercepted Shinsegae Gift Certificates that NCT member Na Jae-min had given to fans. In response, Shinsegae Group has reportedly launched an internal investigation.
The incident began on the 14th, when Na Jae-min wrote on the paid fan communication platform bubble, "Today is White Day," and surprised fans by sending thirty 100,000-won Shinsegae Gift Certificates that can be used at Emart. The gift certificates were sent as mobile gifticons that fans could exchange at Emart branches, and some fans went to Emart right at opening time the next morning to redeem them.
However, fans who attempted an "open-run" by arriving at opening time soon discovered that most of the gift certificates had already been redeemed and could no longer be used. As it became known that the majority of the certificates had been exchanged at the E-Mart Gumi Branch even before its 10 a.m. opening time, suspicions arose that staff at that location may have taken them.
From the 15th, "E-Mart Gumi Branch" began trending in real time on X (formerly Twitter), as the controversy spread. Some fans are said to have filed complaints with Emart, and Shinsegae Group has reportedly started an internal probe into the matter.
According to Chosun.com, Shinsegae stated, "We are currently conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances," adding, "Depending on the results, we will take follow-up measures and strengthen management standards related to the issuance and redemption of gift certificates to prevent a recurrence."
Meanwhile, as the controversy grew, Na Jae-min reportedly told fans on the 15th that there were still some left and sent an additional ten of the same gift certificates.
bng@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Hee-sun Reporter